Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed a massive gathering at Janata Maidan here, celebrating the first anniversary of the “double engine” government in Odisha, a government, he stated, “dedicated to public service and trust.”
The Prime Minister’s visit marked the culmination of a week-long celebration across the state, highlighting the achievements and future roadmap of the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Shri Modi participated in a vibrant ‘Tiranga Yatra’ and a grand roadshow from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Janata Maidan, where thousands of enthusiastic party workers and citizens lined the streets to greet him. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and fervent chants of “Jai Jagannath!” echoing through the capital.
Addressing the jubilant crowd at Janata Maidan, Prime Minister Modi extended his “greetings and salutations to all the families of Odisha on the first anniversary of a government dedicated to public service and trust.” He emphasized the tireless efforts of the “double engine” government, referring to the BJP’s presence at both the Centre and in the state, to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Odisha. “The double engine government is working tirelessly day and night to meet your aspirations,” he affirmed, invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 18,600 crore. These projects span critical sectors including drinking water, irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, health infrastructure, rural roads and bridges, national highways, and new railway lines.
A significant highlight was the flagging off of new train services to Boudh district, marking its first integration with the national railway network, and the launch of 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi released the “Odisha Vision Document,” an ambitious roadmap for inclusive growth anchored around the landmark years of 2036 (Odisha’s centenary as India’s first linguistic state) and 2047 (India’s centenary of independence).
As a tribute to the state’s rich heritage, he also launched the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ initiative, aiming to transform the birthplaces of eminent Odias into living memorials. The Prime Minister also felicitated over 16.50 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’, celebrating them as symbols of prosperity and self-reliance in the state.
The celebration saw the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers, State Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and a vast number of party workers from all 147 assembly segments. The state government had declared a half-day holiday for government offices and a full school holiday in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event and manage the large anticipated crowd.
The Prime Minister’s address underscored the central government’s commitment to Odisha’s development and reiterated the synergy between the state and central governments under the “double engine” model, promising accelerated progress and a prosperous future for the people of Odisha.